5 Things You Need to Know Today, Aug. 27

Today is Monday, Aug. 27. Here are five things to know today in Peabody.

1. State Senate candidate Joan Lovely will be  today between noon and 1 p.m. Email your questions to john.castelluccio@patch.com if you won't be able to sign in for that hour. A full transcript of the chat will be available immediately afterward.
2. Scosso is hiring: Scosso Ristorante & Bar, , says it is now hiring. Check out www.scosso.com for more information.
3. Protect your pets against mosquitoes. With the threat of West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis -- -- the state Department of Public Health has a few precautions pet owners can take for their four-legged friends in addition to avoiding bug bites themselves. Here's the what the MPDH has to say: "Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools — especially after heavy rains. Water troughs provide excellent mosquito breeding habitats and should be flushed out at least once a week during the summer months to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. If an animal is diagnosed with WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to DAR, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795 and to the Department of Public Health (DPH) by calling 617-983-6800."
4. Stocking up on school supplies: Still looking to grab school supplies for your kids before they head back on Sept. 4? The Peabody Public Schools has some to help you out.
5. Bus routes: You can find the school bus routes for the new year posted online at the district's website and stay tuned -- they'll be posted here later today as well.